What Tim Tebow Must Do to Improve Throwing Mechanics

No one has ever questioned Tim Tebow as a leader or a winner, but when it comes to the polarizing quarterback's ability to drive an NFL offense down the field, there are serious doubts.

It's the reason why Tebow has gone from first-round draft pick in 2010 to free agent just three years later.

Sure, Tebow led the Denver Broncos to the AFC West division title in 2011. But he completed just 46.5 percent of his passes in the process.

Is it realistic to think that Tebow can continue to win games and, ultimately, championships in spite of of his poor passing prowess?

The answer is no, and that's why he is currently looking for a new landing spot this offseason. But before another NFL team is willing to take a shot at him, and eventually give him a chance to become a starting quarterback again, he will have to improve his throwing mechanics.

Improving Tebow's mechanics goes beyond working tirelessly with a quarterbacks coach over the summer, though. There needs to be noticeable changes made in how Tebow delivers the ball.

His release must become quicker, and his accuracy must improve as well. It's not enough to make quick reads and get rid of the ball in today's NFL. Successful quarterbacks must be able to put the ball on the receiver's numbers and, at times, "throw them open."

Anticipation and instincts are both huge aspects of the position.

And while spirals aren't a requirement, pace and trajectory are. Tebow must figure out a way to control every element of his passing, until scouts and coaches are no longer worried about him being able to release the ball quick enough or thread the needle on a slant route.

Tebow has all the traits, the work ethic and experience to overcome his shortcomings, improve his delivery and eventually make a return to football's highest level. But will he?

Will he clean up his release?

Will he drill passes into moving targets for hours on end until he can do it in his sleep?

If so, Tebow will be on the right track. But he has to be willing to remake his throwing motion. He doesn't have to look like Aaron Rodgers in the pocket, but he has to secure the ball like a quarterback and remember that he's not at Florida anymore, where tucking the ball in and running it was acceptable on each and every down.

It's not enough for Tebow to be able to get the ball in the vicinity of a receiver. The Denver Broncos, the New York Jets and the rest of the NFL have all made that clear by letting Tebow walk.

Until one of the 32 NFL teams witnesses significant changes in Tebow's throwing mechanics, it won't be willing to deal with the media circus that comes along with the former Heisman Trophy winner.